Despite her pets weakness to treats Dorothy hopes that by taking part in the PDSA’s Pet Fit Club campaign it will help educate fellow pet owners in the region about what diet is best for their pets, and to make Grace a fitter bunny who can run around the garden with ease again

With more than half of the region's pet owners admitting that they regularly feed their pets fatty treats such as crisps and takeaways; vets are worried that that it will cut lifespans through conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, however the region is still a way behind the West Midlands who regularly receive fatty food in nearly 70% of households.

The findings have PDSAs Head of Pet Health and Welfare Nicola Martin concerned who stated: ““PDSA’s research has shown that pet obesity is a growing problem and that too many people are continuing to feed their pets inappropriate foods including takeaways, cake, cheese and chips. And sadly many pets aren’t getting enough exercise.”

Obese pets are also a cause for concern for vets across the country; with a leading academic in veterinary science stating: “It’s clear that pet obesity continues to be a major issue due to a lack of understanding about pets’ welfare needs”; Dr Phillpia Yam went on to praise PDSA’s fit club in “successfully raising awareness of this serious, but entirely preventable condition.”